The Scald Law Junior Hill Race was first organised in 1999 to give junior runners an opportunity to take part in a traditional up and down hill race, which is both challenging and often fun (particularly on the descent!). For most of the runners who have competed in the past it has been their first experience of hill running, and many have returned for another go. The race is organised as part of the main Carnethy Five Hill Race event in which over four hundred senior runners participate. The junior athletes get great support with their race starting only five minutes before the senior race.

The race takes place on a well-marked and marshalled route in the Pentland Hills above Edinburgh, approximately 2.5miles long with 900ft climb. The start is fairly flat across a grassy field, similar to many cross-country races, with a few ditches to jump before you reach the main path up the hill. Be wary of starting too quickly as the path soon steepens up to the col at half way, where a marshal will direct you left up the path to the summit of Scald Law, the highest hill in the Pentlands. The senior race also climbs to this summit, the first of five they have to climb (the juniors only do one), and with a five minute start the first junior usually beats the first senior to the top. There's not much time to catch your breath and admire the views at the summit (unless you want to) as soon you'll be heading back down the hill to the finish. Dare-devil descenders will delight in flying back down, though all competitors appreciate the help of gravity.

Over seventy runners have taken part in the race over the first five years travelling from as far a field as Macclesfield and Mull.

Prizes are presented for both males and females in the Under 18, Under 16 and Under 14 age groups, with bonus prizes for record-breaking performances in any of the age categories.

If you are under 18 on the 1st January 2009 and are keen to take part, take a note of the important race details below:

Registration - £2 entry on the day before 1pm at Beeslack High School, Penicuik.
Buses will take runners and spectators to the start near Silverburn. Race starts at 1.55pm.
Meal tickets available at £2 each.
Safety - All runners must carry a waterproof cagoule and bottoms (carry in bumbag/tie round waste/wear if cold!).
The course may be amended in the event of bad weather.

Mark Johnston (Scald Law Race Organiser) Tel : 01506 670 184